Cabinet backs 9,585‑crore plan to replace NCR trucks, buses

The Union Cabinet has approved a two-year, 9,585-crore rupee scheme to replace older trucks and buses in the Delhi-National Capital Region with cleaner vehicles, aiming to reduce severe air pollution in the area. The decision was taken at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The scheme targets approximately 2.07 lakh vehicle owners, including 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses that currently meet Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) or earlier emission standards. Owners who replace these vehicles with new BS-VI compliant models, electric vehicles, or vehicles with stricter norms will receive financial incentives. The programme will be implemented in collaboration with the participating states and union territories of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.

Of the total financial outlay, 5,041 crore rupees will be provided by the central government, while participating states are expected to contribute an estimated 1,601 crore rupees in tax concessions. The scheme will be funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and implemented by the Ministries of Road Transport and Highways and Petroleum and Natural Gas.